PATA Youth Symposium in Korea (ROK) Highlights Leadership and Adaptability for Tourism’s Future

The first PATA Youth Symposium of the year was organised at Lahan Hotel, Pohang, Korea (ROK), on May 11, 2026, welcoming a full-house of students, young professionals, and tourism industry leaders. The event, held on the first day of the PATA Annual Summit 2026, was generously supported by Gyeongsangbuk-do Culture and Tourism Organization (GCTO), Pohang City, and PATA Thailand Chapter.

Event Overview
- Held on May 11, 2026 at Lahan Hotel, Pohang, as part of the PATA Annual Summit 2026.
- Supported by Gyeongsangbuk-do Culture and Tourism Organization (GCTO), Pohang City, and PATA Thailand Chapter.
- Attended by students, young professionals, and tourism leaders.

Key Voices
- Lee Sang-hyun (Pohang City): Emphasized innovation and challenge as the city’s spirit, encouraging youth to become future leaders.
- Noor Ahmad Hamid (PATA CEO): Stressed the importance of giving youth a platform to speak, not just listen.
- Sharzede Datu Haji Salleh Askor (Sarawak Tourism Board): Highlighted youth empowerment initiatives like the Rainforest Youth Summit (RAYS).
- Jules Shin (Booking.com): Projected global travel transaction value to reach US$4 trillion by 2030, focusing on resilience and sustainability.
- Dr. Bella Vongvisitsin (Hong Kong Metropolitan University): Underscored diversity as a driver of innovation, noting 76% of jobseekers consider diversity when job hunting.

Sessions & Themes
- From Intern to Industry: Alumni shared candid career transition stories.
- Voices of the Next Generation: Students expressed optimism but also concerns about pandemic impacts.
- Maritime Sustainability & Ocean Conservation: Panelists from ADB, Sabah Tourism Board, Hawaii Tourism Authority, and Stay Hotel discussed protecting marine ecosystems.
- Career Journey at AirAsia MOVE: Ben-Jie Lim shared lessons on mentorship, resilience, and transformation in tourism.

Big Picture
- The symposium reinforced tourism’s role as a pillar of global economic growth.
- Youth leadership, sustainability, inclusivity, and adaptability emerged as cornerstones for the industry’s future.